Page 1
kanji
思Meaning
Think
Reading
kunyomiおもomo
onyomiしshi
Parts
心Heart 田Rice field
Example Word
思いがけない: unexpected. The Japanese adjective '思いがけない (おもいがけない)' means 'unexpected'. It is used to describe something that happens suddenly or without warning, often surprising the person involved. This word conveys a sense of unpredictability or something that was not anticipated. For example: an unexpected gift「思いがけないプレゼント」(おもいがけないぷれぜんと). The news was completely unexpected「そのニュースはまったく思いがけないものだった」(そのにゅーすはまったくおもいがけないものだった). This adjective is often used to express surprise or astonishment at an event or situation.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
9
Handwriting
kanji
私Meaning
Private, Me
Reading
kunyomiわたしwatashi
わたくしwatakushi
onyomiしshi
Parts
禾Cereal 厶Private
Example Word
私立: private. The Japanese noun '私立 (しりつ)' means 'private'. This term is commonly used to describe institutions, particularly schools or universities, that are privately funded and operated, as opposed to public or government-run institutions. For example: I attend a private university「私は私立大学に通っています」(わたし はしりつだいがくにかよっています). This is a private school「これは私立の学校です」(これはしりつのがっこうです). The term can also be used more broadly to describe other privately owned or operated entities, but it is most frequently associated with educational institutions.
Radical
禾
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
6Frequency
15
Handwriting
kanji
事Meaning
Thing
Reading
kunyomiことkoto
onyomiじji
Parts
⺕Hand 亅Barb 一One 口Mouth
Example Word
事前: advance or prior. The Japanese noun '事前 (じぜん)' refers to something that is done or prepared beforehand, in advance, or prior to an event. It is often used in contexts where preparation or planning is emphasized. For example: Please inform us in advance「事前に知らせてください」(じぜんにしらせてください). We need prior approval「事前の承認が必要です」(じぜんのしょうにんがひつようです). The word can also be used to describe actions or arrangements made before a specific event or deadline. It is commonly used in formal or professional settings.
Radical
亅
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
16
Handwriting
kanji
自Meaning
Self
Reading
kunyomiみずかmizuka
onyomiじji
しshi
Parts
目Eye 丿Katakana no
Example Word
自体: itself. The Japanese noun '自体 (じたい)' means 'itself' or 'in itself'. It is used to emphasize the subject or object being discussed, often to indicate that something is being considered independently or inherently. For example: The problem itself is not difficult「問題自体は難しくない」(もんだいじたいはむずかしくない). The book itself is interesting「本自体は面白い」(ほんじたいはおもしろい). This word is often used to shift focus to the core nature of something, excluding external factors or influences.
Radical
自
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
20
Handwriting
kanji
方Meaning
Direction
Reading
kunyomiかたkata
onyomiほうhou
Parts
丶Dot 万Ten thousand
Example Word
仕方無い: helpless. The Japanese adjective '仕方無い (しかたない)' means 'helpless' or 'it can't be helped'. It is used to express resignation or acceptance of a situation that cannot be changed or controlled. This word often conveys a sense of inevitability or lack of alternatives. For example: It can't be helped, we have to wait「仕方ない、待つしかない」(しかたない、まつしかない). There's nothing we can do about it「仕方ないことだ」(しかたないことだ). It is commonly used in casual conversations to express frustration or acceptance of an unavoidable outcome.
Radical
方
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
22
Handwriting
kanji
手Meaning
Hand
Reading
kunyomiてte
onyomiしゅshu
ずzu
Parts
丿Katakana no 二Two 亅Barb
Example Word
手足: limbs. The Japanese noun '手足 (てあし)' refers to the limbs of the body, specifically the arms and legs. It is a compound word combining '手 (て)' meaning 'hand' and '足 (あし)' meaning 'foot'. This term is often used in contexts related to physical movement, anatomy, or expressions involving the use of limbs. For example: He moved his limbs freely「彼は手足を自由に動かした」(かれはてあしをじゆうにうごかした). My limbs are tired from the workout「手足がトレーニングで疲れた」(てあしがとれーにんぐでつかれた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's close aides or helpers, as in 'He is the boss's right-hand man'「彼は上司の手足だ」(かれはじょうしのてあしだ).
Radical
手
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
23
Radical Form
扌
Handwriting
kanji
言Meaning
Say
Reading
kunyomiいi
ことkoto
onyomiげんgen
ごんgon
Parts
口Mouth 亠Lid 二Two
Example Word
言い返す: retort. The Japanese verb '言い返す (いいかえす)' means 'to retort' or 'to talk back'. It is used when someone responds sharply or defiantly to a remark or criticism. This verb often carries a nuance of defiance or disagreement, and it is typically used in situations where someone is standing up for themselves or challenging what has been said. For example: He retorted angrily「彼は怒って言い返した」(かれはおこっていいかえした). She always talks back to her teacher「彼女はいつも先生に言い返す」(かのじょはいつもせんせいにいいかえす). The verb can also imply a sense of rebuttal or counter-argument in a more formal context, such as in a debate or discussion.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
25
Radical Form
訁
Handwriting
kanji
者Meaning
Someone
Reading
kunyomiものmono
onyomiしゃsha
Parts
日Day, Sun 耂Old (老)
Example Word
記者: reporter. The Japanese noun '記者 (きしゃ)' refers to a 'reporter' or 'journalist', someone who gathers and reports news. This term is commonly used in the context of news media, such as newspapers, television, and online platforms. For example: The reporter asked many questions「記者はたくさんの質問をした」(きしゃはたくさんのしつもんをした). She works as a reporter for a newspaper「彼女は新聞の記者として働いている」(かのじょはしんぶんのきしゃとしてはたらいている). The word is neutral and can refer to reporters in any field, including politics, sports, or entertainment.
Radical
老
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
29
Handwriting
kanji
家Meaning
House
Reading
kunyomiやya
いえie
onyomiけke
かka
Parts
宀Roof 豕Pig
Example Word
家出: runaway. The Japanese verbal noun '家出 (いえで)' means 'runaway'. It refers to the act of leaving one's home or family, often without permission or notice, typically to escape a difficult situation or to seek independence. This term is often used in contexts involving youth or family conflicts. For example: she became a runaway「彼女は家出をした」(かのじょはいえでをした). The boy ran away from home「その少年は家出をした」(そのしょうねんはいえでをした). Note that '家出' can also imply a temporary departure, not necessarily permanent.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
31
Handwriting
kanji
心Meaning
Heart
Reading
kunyomiこころkokoro
onyomiしんshin
Parts
⺃Second (乙)丶Dot 丿Katakana no
Example Word
決心: decision or resolution. The Japanese verbal noun '決心 (けっしん)' refers to a firm decision or resolution to do something. It implies a strong determination or commitment to a course of action. This word is often used in contexts where someone has made up their mind after careful consideration. For example: I made a decision to study abroad「留学する決心をした」(りゅうがくするけっしんをした). His resolution to quit smoking is strong「彼の禁煙の決心は固い」(かれのきんえんのけっしんはかたい). Note that '決心' is commonly used in formal or serious situations, and it often conveys a sense of finality and determination.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
33
Handwriting
kanji
物Meaning
Thing
Reading
kunyomiものmono
onyomiぶつbutsu
もつmotsu
Parts
牛Cow 勿Must not
Example Word
果物: fruit. The Japanese noun '果物 (くだもの)' means 'fruit'. It refers to the edible, sweet, and fleshy product of a tree or other plant that contains seeds. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about fruits in general, such as in a grocery store or when discussing a healthy diet. For example: I bought some fruit at the market「市場で果物を 買いました」(いちばでくだものをかいました). Fruits are rich in vitamins「果物はビタミンが豊富です」(くだものはビタミンがほうふです). It is important to note that '果物' typically refers to fresh fruits, as opposed to dried or processed fruits.
Radical
牛
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
38
Handwriting
kanji
立Meaning
Stand
Reading
kunyomiたta
onyomiりつritsu
Parts
亠Lid 䒑Herbs
Example Word
成り立つ: hold or consist. The Japanese verb '成り立つ (なりたつ)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'to consist of' or 'to be composed of', often used to describe the components or elements that make up something. For example: This theory consists of three parts「この理論は三つの部分で成り立つ」(このりろんはみっつのぶぶんでなりたつ). The second meaning is 'to hold true' or 'to be valid', used to describe whether a statement, argument, or condition remains valid or applicable. For example: His argument holds true「彼の主張は成り立つ」(かれのしゅちょうはなりたつ). The verb is commonly used in formal or academic contexts to discuss the structure or validity of ideas, theories, or systems.
Radical
立
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
39
Handwriting
kanji
知Meaning
Know
Reading
kunyomiしshi
onyomiちchi
Parts
矢Arrow 口Mouth
Example Word
知らず知らず: unconsciously. The Japanese adverb '知らず知らず (しらずしらず)' means 'unconsciously' or 'without realizing it'. It is used to describe actions or states that occur without the person being aware of them. This adverb often conveys a sense of gradual change or development that happens over time without conscious effort. For example: I unconsciously fell in love「知らず知らずのうちに恋に落ちた」(しらずしらずのうちにこいにおちた). Without realizing it, I started to like Japanese food「知らず知らず日本食が好きになった」(しら ずしらずにほんしょくがすきになった). The phrase '知らず知らずのうちに (しらずしらずのうちに)' is commonly used to emphasize the gradual and unnoticed nature of the action or change.
Radical
矢
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
40
Handwriting
kanji
目Meaning
Eye
Reading
kunyomiめme
onyomiもくmoku
Parts
二Two 口Mouth
Example Word
目覚ましい: remarkable. The Japanese adjective '目覚ましい (めざましい)' means 'remarkable' or 'striking'. It is used to describe something that is notably impressive, outstanding, or rapid in progress. This word often conveys a sense of awe or admiration for the extent or speed of development or achievement. For example: The progress of technology is remarkable「技 術の進歩は目覚ましい」(ぎじゅつのしんぽはめざましい). Her growth as an artist is striking「彼女の芸術家としての成長は目覚ましい」(かのじょのげいじゅつかとしてのせいちょうはめざましい). This adjective is typically used in formal or literary contexts to emphasize the extraordinary nature of something.
Radical
目
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
46
Handwriting
kanji
持Meaning
Hold
Reading
kunyomiもmo
onyomiじji
Parts
寺Temple 扌Hand (手)
Example Word
持ち出す: takeout. The Japanese verb '持ち出す (もちだす)' primarily means 'to take out' or 'to carry out'. It is used when referring to physically removing something from a place, such as taking an item out of a bag or carrying furniture out of a room. It can also be used metaphorically to describe bringing up a topic or issue in conversation. For example: I took the book out of my bag「本をバッグから持ち出した」(ほんをバッグからもちだした). He brought up an important issue during the meeting「彼は会議中に重要な問題を持ち出した」(かれはかいぎちゅうにじゅうようなもんだいをもちだした). The verb is often used in contexts where something is being moved from one place to another, either physically or conceptually.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
47
Handwriting
kanji
屋Meaning
Shop, Roof
Reading
kunyomiやya
onyomiおくoku
Parts
尸Corpse 至Arrive, Climax
Example Word
風呂屋: bathhouse. The Japanese noun '風呂屋 (ふろや)' refers to a traditional Japanese public bathhouse. These establishments are places where people go to bathe, often featuring large communal baths, saunas, and sometimes additional services like massages. The term is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where public bathing has been a common practice for centuries. For example: I went to the bathhouse yesterday「昨日、風呂屋に行きました」(きのう、ふろやにいきました). The bathhouse is very relaxing「風呂屋はとてもリラックスできます」(ふろやはとてもりらっくすできます). It's important to note that '風呂屋' specifically refers to the establishment itself, not the act of bathing.
Radical
尸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
49
Handwriting
kanji
地Meaning
Ground
Reading
onyomiじji
ちchi
Parts
土Soil 也To be
Example Word
産地: origin or producing area. The Japanese noun '産地 (さんち)' refers to the place where something is produced or originates. It is commonly used to describe the origin of agricultural products, goods, or resources. For example: This wine comes from a famous producing area「このワインは有名な産地から来ています」(このワインはゆうめいなさんちからきています). The tea is known for its high quality due to its origin「そのお茶は産地の品質で知られています」(そのおちゃはさんちのひんしつでしられています). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as the origin of cultural items or even abstract concepts.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
53
Handwriting
kanji
度Meaning
Degrees, Times
Reading
kunyomiたびtabi
onyomiどdo
たくtaku
Parts
广Dotted cliff 又Again 廿Twenty
Example Word
度々: often. The Japanese adverb '度々 (たびたび)' means 'often' or 'frequently'. It is used to describe actions or events that occur repeatedly or many times. This word carries a nuance of something happening multiple times, but not necessarily in a regular or predictable pattern. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Example sentences: He often visits this café「彼は度々このカフェを訪れる」(かれはたびたびこのカフェをおとずれる). I often receive emails from her「私は度々彼女からメールをもらう」(わたしはたびたびかのじょからメールをもらう). Note that '度々' can sometimes imply a sense of recurrence that might be slightly unexpected or noteworthy.
Radical
广
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
58
Handwriting
kanji
意Meaning
Idea
Reading
onyomiいi
Parts
音Sound 心Heart
Example Word
意見: opinion. The Japanese noun '意見 (いけん)' means 'opinion'. It refers to a person's thoughts, beliefs, or judgments about a particular topic or issue. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express one's viewpoint or to discuss differing perspectives. For example: I want to hear your opinion「あなたの意見を聞きたいです」(あなたのいけんをききたいです). His opinion is different from mine「彼の意見は私のと違います」(かれのいけんはわたしのとちがいます). The word can also be used in phrases like '意見を述べる (いけんをのべる)' (to express an opinion) or '意見交換 (いけんこうかん)' (exchange of opinions).
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
59
Handwriting
kanji
同Meaning
Same
Reading
kunyomiおなona
onyomiどうdou
Parts
冂Enclosure 一One 口Mouth
Example Word
同様: same. The Japanese adjectival noun '同様 (どうよう)' means 'same' or 'similar'. It is used to indicate that something is identical or comparable to something else in nature, condition, or quality. It often appears in formal or written contexts and can be used to compare two or more things. For example: The rules are the same for everyone「規則は全員に同様です」(きそくはぜんいんにどうようです). His opinion is similar to mine「彼の意見は私のと同様だ」(かれのいけんはわたしのとどうようだ). Note that '同様' is often followed by particles like 'に' or 'と' to complete the comparison.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
60
Handwriting
kanji
不Meaning
Not
Reading
onyomiふfu
ぶbu
Example Word
不必要: unnecessary. The Japanese adjectival noun '不必要 (ふひつよう)' means 'unnecessary'. It is used to describe something that is not needed or required. This term can be applied to objects, actions, or situations. For example: That step is unnecessary「そのステップは不必要です」(そのステップはふひつようです). Buying more is unnecessary「もっと買うのは不必要だ」(もっとかうのはふひつようだ). The word is often used in formal or written contexts to emphasize that something can be omitted or avoided without consequence.
Radical
一
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
61
Handwriting
kanji
明Meaning
Bright
Reading
kunyomiあかaka
あa
onyomiめいmei
みょうmyou
Parts
日Day, Sun 月Moon, Month
Example Word
不明: unknown. The Japanese adjectival noun '不明 (ふめい)' means 'unknown' or 'unclear'. It is used to describe something that is not known, not understood, or not clear. This word is often used in formal or serious contexts, such as news reports, investigations, or official statements. For example: the cause of death is unknown「死因は不明です」(しいんはふめいです). The whereabouts of the suspect are unclear「容疑者の行方は不明です」(ようぎしゃのゆくえはふめいです). It can also be used to describe something that is uncertain or ambiguous, as in 'the details are unclear'「詳細は不明です」(しょうさいはふめいです).
Radical
日
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
63
Handwriting
kanji
少Meaning
Few
Reading
kunyomiすくsuku
すこsuko
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
小Small 丿Katakana no
Example Word
少女: girl. The Japanese noun '少女 (しょうじょ)' means 'girl'. It specifically refers to a young girl, typically in the age range of around 7 to 18 years old. This term is often used in literature, media, and everyday conversation to describe a young female. For example: The girl is reading a book「少女は本を読んでいる」(しょうじょはほんをよんでいる). I saw a girl in the park「公園で少女を見た」(こうえんでしょうじょをみた). The word carries a nuance of youth and innocence, and it is distinct from other terms like '女の子 (おんなのこ)', which is a more general term for a girl or young woman.
Radical
小
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
70
Handwriting
kanji
通Meaning
Commute, Pass
Reading
kunyomiとおtoo
かよkayo
onyomiつうtsuu
Parts
辶Walk 甬Path
Example Word
通り過ぎる: pass. The Japanese verb '通り 過ぎる (とおりすぎる)' means 'to pass by' or 'to go past'. It is used to describe the action of moving past a certain point or location without stopping. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as passing by a place, a person, or even time. For example: The train passed by the station「電車が駅を通り過ぎた」(でんしゃがえきをとおりすぎた). Time passes by quickly「時間が通り過ぎるのが早い」(じかんがとおりすぎるのがはやい). The nuance of this verb often implies that the subject is moving beyond something without lingering or stopping.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
72
Handwriting
kanji
文Meaning
Sentence
Reading
kunyomiふみfumi
onyomiぶんbun
もんmon
Parts
亠Lid 乂Govern
Example Word
作文: composition. The Japanese noun '作文 (さくぶん)' refers to a written composition or essay. It is commonly used in educational contexts, where students are asked to write essays on various topics. The word can also refer to the act of writing itself. For example: I wrote a composition「作文を書きました」(さくぶんをかきました). Her composition was excellent「彼女の作文は素晴らしかった」(かのじょのさくぶんはすばらしかった). The teacher assigned a composition for homework「先生は宿題に作文を出しました」(せんせいはしゅくだいにさくぶんをだしました).
Radical
文
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
74
Handwriting
kanji
代Meaning
Substitute, Era
Reading
kunyomiかka
onyomiだいdai
Parts
亻Person (人)弋Ceremony
Example Word
現代: modern. The Japanese noun '現代 (げんだい)' refers to the 'modern' era or the present time. It is often used to describe contemporary society, culture, or technology. For example: modern society「現代社会」(げんだいしゃかい). modern art「現代美術」(げんだいびじゅつ). This term is commonly used in discussions about current trends, advancements, or issues in the present day.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
78
Handwriting
kanji
世Meaning
World, Generation
Reading
kunyomiよyo
onyomiせいsei
せse
Parts
廿Twenty 𠃊Second (乙)
Example Word
世紀: century. The Japanese noun '世紀 (せいき)' means 'century'. It refers to a period of 100 years. This word is commonly used in historical contexts or when discussing long periods of time. For example: the 21st century 「21世紀」(にじゅういちせいき). The 20th century was a time of great change「20世紀は大きな変化の時代でした」(にじゅうせいきはおおきなへんかのじだいでした). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a significant era or period, such as 'the century of technology'「技術の世紀」(ぎじゅつのせいき).
Radical
一
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
81
Handwriting
kanji
口Meaning
Mouth
Reading
kunyomiくちkuchi
onyomiくku
こうkou
Parts
冂Enclosure 一One
Example Word
人口: population. The Japanese noun '人口 (じんこう)' means 'population'. It refers to the number of people living in a specific area, such as a city, country, or region. This word is commonly used in discussions about demographics, statistics, or social issues. For example: The population of Tokyo is large「東京の人口は多い」(とうきょうのじんこうはおおい). The population of this town is decreasing「この町の人口は減っている」(このまちのじんこうはへっている). It can also be used in compound words like '人口密度 (じんこうみつど)' (population density).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
82
Handwriting
kanji
場Meaning
Place
Reading
kunyomiばba
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
土Soil 旦Dawn 勿Must not
Example Word
出場: appearance or participation. The Japanese verbal noun '出場 (しゅつじょう)' refers to the act of participating or appearing in an event, competition, or performance. It is commonly used in contexts such as sports, contests, or public events. For example: He will participate in the marathon「彼はマラソンに出場する」(かれはマラソンにしゅつじょうする). She made her first appearance in the national competition「彼女は全国大会に初出場した」(かのじょはぜんこくたいかいにはつしゅつじょうした). The word emphasizes the act of being present or taking part in a formal or organized setting.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
84
Handwriting
kanji
主Meaning
Master
Reading
kunyomiぬしnushi
あるじaruji
onyomiすsu
しゅshu
Parts
丶Dot 王King
Example Word
主食: staple food. The Japanese noun '主食 (しゅしょく)' refers to the staple food of a meal, typically the main source of carbohydrates. In Japan, this is often rice, but it can also include bread, noodles, or other grains depending on the meal. For example: Rice is the staple food in Japan「日本では米が主食です」(にほんではこめがしゅしょくです). For breakfast, bread is my staple food「朝食にはパンが主食です」(ちょうしょくにはパンがしゅしょくです). The concept of '主食' is central to Japanese meals, where it is usually accompanied by side dishes known as 'おかず (おかず)'.
Radical
丶
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
85
Handwriting
kanji
理Meaning
Reason
Reading
onyomiりri
Parts
王King 里Hometown
Example Word
理事: director. The Japanese noun '理事 (りじ)' refers to a 'director' or 'executive' in an organization, company, or institution. This term is commonly used in the context of corporate or organizational governance, where a '理事' is a member of a board or a managing body responsible for decision-making and oversight. For example: He is a director of the company「彼は会社の理事です」(かれはかいしゃのりじです). The board of directors held a meeting「理事会が会議を開きました」(りじかいがかいぎをひらきました). The term can also be used in non-profit organizations, schools, or other institutions where a governing body exists.
Radical
玉
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
88
Handwriting
kanji
道Meaning
Way
Reading
kunyomiみちmichi
onyomiどうdou
Parts
辶Walk 首Neck
Example Word
使い道: use. The Japanese noun '使い道 (つかいみち)' refers to the way something is used or its purpose. It is often used to describe the practical application or utility of an object, resource, or idea. For example: I found a use for this old box「この古い箱の使い道を見つけた」(このふるいはこのつかいみちをみつけた). He explained the use of the tool「彼はその道具の使い道を説明した」(かれはそのどうぐのつかいみちをせつめいした). This word is commonly used in contexts where the focus is on finding or explaining the practical application of something.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
89
Handwriting
kanji
考Meaning
Think, Consider
Reading
kunyomiかんがkanga
onyomiこうkou
Parts
耂Old (老)丂Breath obstruction
Example Word
参考: reference. The Japanese noun '参考 (さんこう)' means 'reference'. It is used to indicate something that is consulted for information or guidance. This word is commonly used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts when referring to materials, data, or advice that helps in making decisions or understanding a topic. For example: Please use this book as a reference「この本を参考にしてください」(このほんをさんこうにしてください). This data is for reference only「このデータは参考までです」(このデータはさんこうまでです). The word can also imply that the information is supplementary and not definitive.
Radical
老
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
91
Handwriting
kanji
作Meaning
Make
Reading
kunyomiつくtsuku
onyomiさsa
さくsaku
Parts
亻Person (人)𠂉Person (人)二Two 丨Stick
Example Word
作曲: composition. The Japanese verbal noun '作曲 (さっきょく)' refers to the act of composing music. It is used to describe the process of creating musical pieces, whether they are songs, symphonies, or other forms of music. This term is often used in contexts related to music production, education, and appreciation. For example: He is famous for his composition「彼は作曲で有名です」(かれはさっきょくでゆうめいです). I enjoy composing music in my free time「私は暇な時に作曲を楽しみます」(わたしはひまなときにさっきょくをたのしみます). The word can also be used in compound forms, such as '作曲家 (さっきょくか)' which means 'composer'.
Radical